Key Milestones

Remediation of 7, 9 and 11 Nelson Parade is scheduled to begin in mid 2010 with a target completion date of end 2010.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation conducted radiological testing over the entire site of the former uranium processing plant including Government land at 7, 9 and 11 and surrounding private properties in Nelson Parade. Testing of surrounding private properties was completed in early 2009 and results confirmed no radiation above safe levels on all properties tested. Further testing of 7, 9 and 11 Nelson Parade will determine the location and extent of contamination and help to inform the Remediation Action Plan (RAP). This will be developed under the guidance of the EPA accredited Site Auditor.

 

In late September, a licensed contractor will be trimming and removing overgrown vegetation from 7, 9 and 11 Nelson Parade to clear the area in preparation for planning for remediation of the site. Vegetation will be cut to approximately 15 centimetres above ground level to help maintain the stability of the soil underneath.

The State Property Authority will develop a RAP in consultation with environmental consultants, the remediation contractor and Site Auditor. The RAP defines the material to be removed, methodology and target outcomes. The RAP will be endorsed by the Site Auditor before lodgement with the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

An experienced remediation contractor will soon be engaged as part of the preparation of the RAP and Environmental Assessment report (EA). The contractor will work closely with an expert panel, made up of health, environmental and contamination experts and help to prepare the RAP.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) will form the basis for planning approval to proceed with the remediation. The RAP will form a key component of the EA which will be submitted to the Department of Planning who will place the document on public exhibition.

Once the EA has been approved by the Minister for Planning the remediation contractor will begin remediation.

Following the completion of the remediation works the Site Auditor will provide a sign off that the site is suitable for residential use.

 

SPA proposes to sell the site for residential development following sign off by the Site Auditor.